Flavors of Florida, the premier UF/IFAS tasting showcase event, proudly celebrates its eleventh year of highlighting the State’s signature and emerging flavors. This year’s event, to be held on March 12 in the Champions Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., promises an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence, agricultural innovation and support for the community’s well-being through the UF Therapeutic Horticulture program. Tickets are available now at the registration page.
Join us for an evening that not only offers an array of unique tasting opportunities but also celebrates Florida’s diverse produce and innovative food science. Participants will sample chef-curated dishes and drinks featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from UF/IFAS research facilities and generous Florida farmers. Commodity highlights include:
- Florida beef provided by Quincey Cattle Beef in Chiefland.
- Fresh salmon donated by Atlantic Sapphire in Homestead.
- Flowering annual and perennial plants – grown by students in the Annual and Perennial Gardening course at UF – which will serve dual purpose as décor and as take-home gifts for guests.
“We are extremely grateful for this support that will ensure that our therapeutic horticulture participants and program continue to grow and flourish!” – Leah Diehl, director of the UF Therapeutic Horticulture program
This year, in collaboration with Florida Sea Grant and UF’s Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, we’ll be showcasing Florida seafood and eating for renal wellness. We’ll also be joined by the UF/IFAS Coffee Research Lab to sample Florida grown coffee. A first of its kind!
The ongoing partnership between the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) has not only nurtured thriving strawberry crops, but it has sown seeds of innovation, philanthropy and industrywide impact. This collaboration has created the perfect opportunity for the FSGA to be this year’s Presenting Sponsor.
Additional tasting partners include Blue Gill Quality Foods, Mildred’s Big City Food, Underground Kitchen , Northwest Seafood, Island Grove Wine Company, Florida Peanut Federation, Germains, Custom Caterers, Sweet Meat Butcher Shop, Munecas and Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co. Sponsors and tasting partners will continue to be added to the event website.
The event is more than tasting opportunities, though. Each ticket purchased includes a $25 gift to the UF Therapeutic Horticulture Program. A connection with plants and nature can have a profound effect on quality of life. At the UF Therapeutic Horticulture Program, they give students, patients and other community members a place to engage with plants and practice mindfulness, with the aim of decreasing stress and boosting positivity.
Those registering for the event are welcome to make an additional gift to the Therapeutic Horticulture program when purchasing their ticket. Anyone can give directly to the fund.
Tickets: $120 (purchase at the event page)
Lodging: Travelers can secure a special room block rate at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center by visiting the group booking link.
For more information, including about available sponsorship and tasting partner opportunities, please visit the event website or contact Amanda Bernavil at abernavil@ufl.edu or 352-392-5436.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS
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